Doctor's Visit

Well, the doctor said he's going to have to amputate.

Just kidding.

So, now anything I say will sound good since anything is better than amputating. :-)

I went to the doctor today and I have a skin infection, aka cellulitis. He doesn't know if it's from a spider or just an infection that got in a mosquito bite or scratch or something. He said he doesn't want to play around when it comes to skin infections, so he's treating it aggressively, as if it were already a full-blown staff infection. He's pretty sure it's not a staff infection, but better safe than sorry.

He did a culture (no lancing!) and sent it off to be cultured... or whatever it is that they do to cultures.

Then, when the doctor asks, "How do you feel about shots?" you know it's not going to be good. As far as I remember, I'd never had a shot in my butt. As of today, I've had two. Ouch!

Okay, it wasn't really my butt, more my lower back, upper hiney area. "The fatty area" the nurse said. Excuse me?! Thanks a lot.

So, one shot was a steroid to help with the swelling--and it has helped. The swelling has gone down by about 50%. The second shot was an antiobiotic to help clear up the infection.

"So since I'll be getting an antiobiotic shot, I won't need to take antiobiotics?" I asked.

"I didn't say that." Oh.

So, I have a 7 day antiobiotic that he wants me to take for 10 days just to be sure. I also have a topical cream that goes on 2-3 times a day.

I'm also supposed to change my sheets and wash them in hot water, separate from any other laundry. He's not playing around. I appreciate that. I just don't appreciate that I just changed my sheets 3 days ago. Rats.

Dr. Wright laughed when I said Christy and I had e-mailed a picture of my knee to an ER doctor friend. He is an older doctor and said he's just about seen it all. Back in his day, the doctor came to visit, said, "Take two of these, and call me in the morning." Now, we just e-mail the doctor for the same advice. :-)

So, no swimming for a week and I have to go back again next Thursday for him to check and see how things are looking and doing. I appreciate his caution and that he is being agressive in his treatment.

So, now I must go elevate my leg, put a cool cloth on my forehead, moan a little... Oh, wait, what's that? That's right, Slade's not here. It won't do me any good. Oh, well, I guess I'll go paint my toenails. :-)

'Night.